A year after it was initially announced, Tastings – A Wine Experience is finally approaching an opening date. The Indianapolis-based wine bar and art gallery comes to the Short North eight years after its debut in Indiana. Identifying as a wine bar first and restaurant second, Tastings brings to the neighborhood a different approach to trying new and more expensive wines.
“I think wine can be very intimidating,” said owner Ross Bailey. “I don’t think it has to be.”
Using wine dispensing stations, 72 wines will be available to try, described by place of origin and varietal. To access them, guests will load money on a card and choose the wine they want in the size that they want. Most restaurants sell their expensive wines by the bottle only. Tastings will offer each wine in 2 oz., 4 oz., and 6 oz. pours.
“To be able to get the wine in the glass and let people sample it — it’s low commitment. They didn’t buy the bottle and then they’re like ‘Oh, I don’t really like this,’” Bailey said. “We really wanted to guide people around and find out what they like and kind of point them in the right direction so they can fall in love with wine the way that we did.”
For those who don’t want to do the tasting portion of Tastings, they also have a traditional table service. They’ll offer a shareable-based menu full of cheese, charcuterie, flatbread pizza, salads and sandwiches, and on top of wine, they’ll have a beer and cocktail menu.
Bailey said the wine bar is just waiting on its last inspections. They’ll add the finishing touches, and, after a few soft openings, Tastings will celebrate a grand opening in early May. It’s located at 958 N. High St.
For more information, visit tastingsbar.com.